“Navigating the Government Connect: Unlock Grants, Subsidies, Policy Alignment & Zero-Cost Growth Opportunities”
Budget 2025-26: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE; DEMAND NO. 1; Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare…
6. Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Yojna (PM-AASHA):..Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) is a scheme having the components of Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), Price Deficit Payment Scheme (POPS) and Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). It basically aims at to provide remunerative prices to farmers and to control price volatility of essential commodities for consumers. It is being implemented not only to help in providing remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce but also to control the price volatility of essential commodities by ensuring their availability at affordable prices to consumers.
Part 1: Salient Features of PM-AASHA (2025-26)
• Financial Outlay: ₹6,941 crore + ₹45,000 crore government guarantee for MSP operations
• Key Components:
o PSS: NAFED/NCCF procure pulses, oilseeds, copra at MSP (100% loss coverage)
o PDPS: Direct payments when market prices fall below MSP
o MIS: State-led procurement of perishables
• Flexible Implementation: States choose PSS or PDPS per crop season
• Focus Crops: 23 oilseeds, pulses, and copra under MSP umbrella
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Part 2: Startup Opportunities Linked to PM-AASHA
1. Digital MSP Marketplace
o Opportunity: Platform connecting FPOs directly to NAFED/NCCF procurement centers with real-time price alerts
o Alignment: Reduces payment delays (current avg. 15-30 days post-procurement)
2. Price Deficit Prediction Tools
o Opportunity: AI models using weather, export trends, and stock data to forecast PDPS trigger scenarios
o Alignment: Helps farmers opt for PSS vs PDPS strategically
3. Blockchain for PDPS Payouts
o Opportunity: Smart contracts automating payments when mandi prices cross deficit thresholds
o Alignment: Ensures transparency in ₹45,000Cr guarantee utilization
4. Hyperlocal Procurement Logistics
o Opportunity:* On-demand aggregation and transport for smallholders to reach PSS centers
o Alignment: Addresses last-mile access issues (only 6% farmers sell at MSP currently)
5. Alternate Processing Channels
o Opportunity: Mobile processing units converting "near-MSP" produce into oils/flours for e-NAM
o Alignment: Creates value-addition buffer during price crashes
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Part 3: Founder's Action Plan
1. Digital MSP Marketplace
• Step 1: Partner with SFAC to integrate e-NAM and FPO databases
• Step 2: Pilot in Maharashtra for tur procurement with NAFED
• Step 3: Monetize via 1.5% facilitation fee on transactions
2. Price Deficit Prediction
• Step 1: License IMD weather data and AGMARKNET price feeds
• Step 2: Sell alerts to state agri-departments via NIC's Krishi Decision Support System
3. Blockchain for PDPS
• Step 1: Develop on IndiaChain with Aadhaar-based farmer verification
• Step 2: Pilot with Rajasthan's gramin markets for moong payments
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Cross-Cutting Strategies
• Regulatory: Get empaneled as MSP tech partner via NABARD
• Funding: Leverage RKVY-RAFTAAR for agri-tech innovations
• Pilots: Target states with high MSP gaps (UP, MP, Rajasthan)
Pro Tip: Highlight how your solution addresses the ₹45,000Cr guarantee utilization efficiency in investor pitches.
